Native of Curaçao Takes Title With Two-Run Blast, Hits Another to Bring Total to 57

Three years ago, Wladimir Balentien arrived in Japan as a once-promising prospect whose tendency to chase bad pitches sidelined the considerable power in his bat and kept him from finding a permanent spot on a big-league roster. Now, the Yakult Swallows outfielder is Japan's new home-run king.

The 29-year-old native of the Caribbean island of Curaçao broke Japan's single-season home run record, clubbing number 56, a two-run blast, in the first inning against the Hanshin Tigers on Sunday. He added another home run in the...